Books Like...

'Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History of Capitalism' by Ha-Joon Chang presents a compelling argument against minimalist, laissez-faire state policies advocated by neoliberals, especially in developing countries. Chang advocates for a judicious mix of market and government intervention, emphasizing the importance of nationalization and state subsidies in defending budding industries in developing nations. delves into the consequences of free trade, protectionism, and the role of corrupt governments in speeding up bureaucratic systems in poor countries.

'The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power' by Joel Bakan delves into the concept of corporations and their pursuit of profit above all else. Through a detailed analysis, Bakan exposes the unethical practices and motivations of corporations, showcasing how they prioritize financial gain over societal well-being. The writing style is insightful and methodically argued, providing in-depth examples and illustrations to support the premise that corporations operate as inhumane money-making machines. Bakan also discusses the legal background of corporations and the extreme consequences of their actions, highlighting the need for increased regulation and accountability.

'The New Corporation: How "Good" Corporations Are Bad for Democracy' by Joel Bakan delves into the far-reaching power of corporations and offers solutions to address the issues arising from their influence. Bakan provides an illuminating and concise account of the relationship between democratic citizens and corporate entities. He discusses the limitations of a company's willingness to do good due to its financial mandate, as well as the potential threats posed by the increasing corporate power to democratic institutions and governance.

Understanding Power by Noam Chomsky is a compilation of his talks and interviews on various topics such as foreign policy, imperialism, social services, and political activism. The book is presented in a question and answer format, allowing readers to choose the topics they want to delve into. Chomsky reinterprets events of the past three decades, connecting America's foreign policy with the decline of domestic social services and offering insights into steps towards social change.

'Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong' by James W. Loewen is a critique of American history textbooks that offers real history to counteract the empty platitudes found in those textbooks. delves into white Americans' relationships with Native Americans and African Americans, pointing out the discrepancies and omissions in traditional historical narratives. Loewen reviews twelve American history books, highlighting their shortcomings and the importance of teaching controversial aspects of history. The writing style is described as informative, eye-opening, and engaging, providing readers with a fresh perspective on American history.

'The Entrepreneurial State: Debunking Public vs. Private Sector Myths' by Mariana Mazzucato delves into the intricate relationship between the public and private sectors in fostering technological innovation. The book challenges prevailing notions about the role of government in innovation, highlighting the crucial contributions made by public funding to drive breakthroughs in various industries. Through detailed examples and statistical evidence, Mazzucato argues that the government plays a vital role in not only financing but also shaping the direction of innovation, ultimately debunking myths surrounding the innovation process.

'The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People's Economy' by Stephanie Kelton challenges conventional economic beliefs, arguing that governments do not need to tax their people for money and that deficits can be beneficial. Kelton explores the idea of optimizing economic systems for human development rather than exploitation and advocates for setting priorities based on human needs. delves into Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and its implications on government spending, monetary policy, and societal well-being.

'The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles and the Rise of America's Secret Government' by David Talbot is a compelling exploration of the deep-seated power structures within the American government. Talbot delves into the intricate web of connections between establishment figures, the military industrial complex, and the intelligence community, showcasing how individuals like Allen Dulles wielded immense influence over significant historical events. Through a journalistic narrative style, the book uncovers the dark realities of CIA involvement in covert operations, assassinations, and the manipulation of governments, shedding light on the sinister machinations of those in power.

'Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq' by Stephen Kinzer is a detailed account of fourteen instances of U.S. intervention to promote regime change, replacing existing governments with ones preferred by the U.S. The book covers a range of interventions from Hawaii to Iraq, highlighting the rise of the CIA after WWII and its influence, especially in Latin America during the Cold War years. Kinzer delves into the history of imperialism, detailing how the U.S. government overthrew democratically elected leaders around the world for political reasons and access to resources. The narrative explores the implications of U.S. interventionism and the tragic long-term effects of these regime changes.

'A History of America in Ten Strikes' by Erik Loomis is a well-researched account of the history of the labor movement in the United States. The book delves into the significant strikes that shaped the working class, while also discussing broader issues affecting Americans at the time. Loomis highlights the struggles of working men and women uniting to improve their working conditions and personal lives, against the backdrop of the general narrative of US history. The author emphasizes the importance of unions representing the interests of workers and electing officials who support those interests through legislation.